I have the Colt CCO, but haven't shot the DW. First, the CCO size and weight (with LW frame) makes is a very good carry weapon. My Colt has run without a hitch through the first 1k rounds--lrn, fmj and jhp, but it isn't perfect (we each have our personal likes and dislikes, so not many guns are, I suppose). My biggest issue is that the trigger is heavier than I like and has a slight pretravel; overall, not nearly as nice as the triggers on my STIs. The sights aren't the greatest (std combat), but they certainly are adequate, and fit and finish are fine. So, if I wanted another CCO I wouldn't pass up the Colt if I wanted to save a few hundred. If I wanted to spend more, I at least would check out the DW CCO or the Colt Gunsite CCO.

This is a tough call for me. I'm a huge fan of the CCO size 1911's. The first one I bought is a Les Baer Stinger. I love that gun, but it can get a little heavy at the end of the day.

For a lightweight version, I bought the Colt CCO. It is not as well fitted as the Dan Wesson. It is very reliable though, and more than accurate enough. I also like the short trigger and classic look and feel. That said, the DW is $300 more because the fit and finish is $300 better. I chose the Colt more for sentimentality than for pure performance.

I like the Colt Talo Edition CCO. Too bad mine shot three or four inches low and is right now back to Colt for fixing.

I like the small safety lever. I like the basic but visible iron sights. If I were to have my druthers, I would prefer for the beavertail grip safety to be replaced with a regular grip safety. And the plastic mainspring housing be replaced by a steel or aluminum mainspring housing. Otherwise, I like the gun's simplicity. The matte/brushed blued finish is both stylish and elegant.

The walnut grip is nice, except the "Colt" is cheesily done and the stipling doesn't do squat for friction. That mutha is going to be replaced by Esmeralda's full checkered grip panels soon enough.

...The walnut grip is nice, except the "Colt" is cheesily done and the stipling doesn't do squat for friction. That mutha is going to be replaced by Esmeralda's full checkered grip panels soon enough...

Click to expand...

I tossed the factory grips in my 1911 parts bin, and it now wears ivory grips I bought in Maui last summer. It looks very classy now. I really gotta take some pics...

This is a tough call for me. I'm a huge fan of the CCO size 1911's. The first one I bought is a Les Baer Stinger. I love that gun, but it can get a little heavy at the end of the day.

For a lightweight version, I bought the Colt CCO. It is not as well fitted as the Dan Wesson. It is very reliable though, and more than accurate enough. I also like the short trigger and classic look and feel. That said, the DW is $300 more because the fit and finish is $300 better. I chose the Colt more for sentimentality than for pure performance.

Dan Wesson makes the best production CCO option going today in my opinion - save for some high zoot semi custom guns.

Click to expand...

The DW CCO is the best CCO for the money out there for sure. Minimal roll marks, durable finish, lightweight, no FCS, single side safety, good trigger, great fit, rounded butt, front strap chainlink, good night sights, accurate, dependable, priced right (especially for what you get), no MIM (for those that care), reputable company with no CS issues that I can recall, etc., etc., etc....There. That's just a few things I can think of off the top of my head.

I have 3 CCO sized pistols, never had a problem out of any of them. Between the DW and Colt the DW has much better fit, finish, feels smoother when cycling and is more accurate. The colt went to the looser fitting = better reliability school.

If you want to get one just to have one get the colt, if it's going to be a carry gun get the DW. If you want one with all the bells & whistles get a bill wilson carry.

Glock Talk is the #1 site to discuss the world’s most popular pistol, chat about firearms, accessories and more. As our membership continues to grow we look forward to reading your stories and learning from your experiences. Membership is free and we welcome all types of shooters, whether you're a novice or a pro. Come for the info, stay and make some friends..